"Whatever happens the connection and collaboration must remain...because
based on culture, religion and lifestyle, history cannot be separated," he told
reporters at a 'buka puasa' hosted by YIRMI, here, today.

Also present was Indonesia's deputy high commissioner to Malaysia, Mulya
Wirana.

Jakarta will in August host the 2nd Congress of Indonesian Diaspora, the
worldâ€™s largest gathering of Indonesians living overseas and people of
Indonesian origin.

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RAIS-DIASPORA 2 (LAST) KUALA LUMPUR

Themed â€œPulang Kampungâ€ or â€œHome Coming,â€ the 3-day congress will be
officially opened by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

Thousands of Indonesians from all four corners of the globe are expected to
converge on the Jakarta Convention Center to strengthen ties and promote shared
prosperity for Indonesia and its people.

Rais who is also the adviser on social and cultural affairs in the prime
ministerâ€™s office said the congress would help hoist the identity of Malaysia
and Indonesia in the region.

Malaysia were invited to attend the congress through YIRMI and Ikatan
Setiakawan Wartawan Malaysia-Indonesia (ISWANI).